ST. CUAN’S COLLEGE, CASTLEBLAKENEY defeated Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair to see them progress their Cup campaign exploits after a thrilling tie in Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo yesterday afternoon (Thursday, May 14th). A first appearance at this level for the Galway outfit but they showed really talent and hard work to overcome the challenge of the Ulster youngsters. St. Cuan’s striker Kealan MURRAY stole the show with a sublime hat-trick for the Castleblakeney scholars. Captain Cillian Donohue put in a magnificent performance, covering some ground with Tim Ruane and Darragh Booth also starring.
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair started positively but were undone by Kealan MURRAY’S effort after 12 minutes. The striker with a smart turn on the edge of the box, to hit on the half volley and smash home the opener for Cathal Farrell’s charges. Six minutes later, Kealan MURRAY netted his brace with a lovely individual goal. Gweedore’s netminder Caolán Ó’Dónaill pulled off an exceptional save to deny Mark Gerrard with his low drive aimed at the far post. Seconds later, Gerrard was denied by the post when he unleashed a fantastic strike. St. Cuan’s Darragh Booth was also left frustrated by the excellent abilities of Ó’Donaill between the posts to deny the Galway side a third goal two minutes from the break. St. Cuan’s ahead 2-0 at the interval.
MURRAY completed his hat-trick when he headed in eight minutes after the restart as the game was out of reach for Ciarán McFadden’s side. The Ulster stars were rewarded for their industrious endeavours when Cian MacGrianna netted four minutes from time with a lovely strike to make it 1-3. It was a nervous conclusion to the game when two minutes later, Daniel O’Colla was through on goal only for the keeper to beat but somehow Iarlaith Griffen got a hand to the ball to see it past the endline! St. Cuan’s College regrouped and saw the game out in the final stages for an epic win.
St. Cuan’s College will now play Edmund Rice SS, Carrick on Suir in this season’s FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup Final. The Munster Champions defeated St. Kilian’s Community School, Bray in Killeshin FC after extra-time on Tuesday last. The Cup decider is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 1pm, venue to be confirmed.
ST. CUAN’S COLLEGE, CASTLEBLAKNEY | Iarlaith Griffen, Cillian Harkin, Eoin Leonard, Mark Lohan, Richie O’Connor, Cillian Donohue ©, Mark Gerrard, Tim Ruane, Kealan Murray, Darragh Booth, Corey Landers
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Ethan Graham, Kye Mongan, Sean Forde, Shay Kelly, Thomas Kennedy, Nathan Kelly, Adam Mitchell
MANAGEMENT | Cathal Farrell, Michael Dillon, Aoife Lally
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR | Caolán Ó’Dónaill, Rian Bueron. James O Maoilchiarain, Mairtín Og Ó’Colla ©, Ciarán O Ceallagh, Nathan O Baoill, Shay Ó’Dónaill, Darragh MacSuibhne, Daniel Ó’Colla, Aaron MacGiolla Bhride, Daithi MacAilin
SUBS (ROLL ON /OFF) | Cian MacGrianna, Evan Mac a Bhaird, Sean Ó’Colla, Mattew MacPhaidin, Danny Flaitheamhain, Cayden MacAoidh, Charlie O Canainn
MANAGEMENT | Ciarán McFadden
MATCH OFFICIAL | Richie Barry (Sligo)
